Universal Depth of Thought

 

I want everyone to widen their views, until the periscope they see their world through becomes a

big gaping hole in the ceiling, that blinds them with understanding.

I want everyone to see those background characters to their lives, and know that all those people

live a life as vivid as their own filled with layers and layers of banding.

 

I want the janitor to know his smart-ass anecdotes do not go unappreciated,

And I want the guy who holds the door open on Tuesdays to know I'm absolutely asphyxiated. 

I want my French teacher to know I'm sad he never had any kids,

But we're his enfants turbulents so maybe he's glad he never did.

I want the lady across the street to know we still play man-hunt in her yard,

"Until the day we graduate" we'll give her garden our disregards.

 

I want the girl on 128 Courtland to know I'm proud of her for taking three laps,

When I know she usually stops at two.

And I want the boy who lives three quarters of a mile down Ratherswrap,

To know I'm happy he's with someone new.

I want that couple with matching spots to know how hard I laughed at them,

when they backed into the neighbor's fishing boat.

And I want to tell Mr. H how much it meant that his wife knew my name,

Because he'd read her the things I'd wrote.

 

People always tell you that you'll miss your friends when you leave for upper education,

But they don't tell you to miss the nameless smiles that live in eternal under-estimation.

So if I could change anything I'd wish for universal recognition,

Of one another's depth of thought.

Because without realizing that we forget what makes everybody a person,

and I don't think this a lesson every person is taught.

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